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About
Edinburgh
Edinburgh,
the capital city of Scotland, is one of the UK's most popular
destinations for visitors. It is a beautiful city, with architecture
that is renowned throughout the world. However, Edinburgh is
historically important too, having a major role in both Scottish and
British history for hundreds of years. This is reflected in the many
important buildings and monuments in the city.
Until
the late 18th century, Edinburgh consisted mainly of what is now
known as the Old Town (where you'll find the Castle, Royal Mile, and
Grassmarket). The university was founded in 1583, jump-starting the
city's educational and professional development. The Bank of Scotland
was established in 1695, laying the foundations for Edinburgh's
development into a leading financial capital by the end of the 20th century.
The
Act of Union in 1707 joined Scotland and England politically, and
transferred significant political powers from Edinburgh to London. By
the late 18th century, Edinburgh had a population of 35,000. The
increasingly overcrowded conditions led to many rich people leaving
the city, principally to move to London. In the 1760s as a result of
the continuing overcrowded and unhealthy conditions in the Old Town,
there was a competition to design a New Town.
James
Craig's winning design produced the current new city's grid-like
street system. Building began in 1767 and was completed in 1810.
Because of its culture, elegant layout, and its neo-classical
architecture, Edinburgh became known as 'the Athens of the North'.
The
city centre is dominated by the magnificent Edinburgh Castle
(designated a world Heritage Site by UNESCO) which stands at the head
of the Old Town perched high on its volcanic rock looking down on a
city where medieval lanes and elegant, sweeping terraces hold over
ten centuries of history, mystery and tradition.
 
Yet
Edinburgh is also a modern, dynamic capital city where festivals
attract the world's leading performers. Galleries display
cutting-edge art, and bars, restaurants and clubs create a lively,
cosmopolitan atmosphere with a distinctly Scottish twist.
Each
year during the summer months Edinburgh becomes the world's Festival
City. The huge range and number of artistic events, performances and
exhibitions throughout the city make a visit to Edinburgh
unforgettable. It makes you feel that there is always something else
happening around the corner which you are missing. There probably is
- which is inevitably part of the joy of the Festival.
To
make your stay more enjoyable and informed, we've put together a
collection of websites to give you an idea of what Edinburgh has to
offer. Whether it's the festival, the fringe or the tattoo, there is
always something exciting happening that you won't find in any other
city in the world.
Ghost
tours, whisky tasting, ceilidh dancing, pubs, international
restaurants, clubs, museums, art galleries, theatres, and cinemas are
just a few of the things you will find in the links below.
http://www.edinburgh.org/
http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/
http://www.eif.co.uk/
http://www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk
http://www.firstcity.force9.co.uk/newgallery/city2.htm
Dates
for your Diary
Edinburgh
International Festival (13 August - 5 September, 2010)
Edinburgh
Festival Fringe (6 August - 30 August, 2010)
Edinburgh
Military Tattoo (6 August - 28 August, 2010)
Useful
Transport Links
http://www.lothianbuses.co.uk/
http://www.baa.co.uk/main/airports/edinburgh/
http://www.rosythferry.co.uk/ppc.html
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/
www.firstscotrail.com
Taxis
in Edinburgh
Computer
Cabs: 0131 228 2555
Central
Taxis: 0131 229 2468
City
Cabs: 0131 228 1211
Links:
http://www.enjoybritain.com
IHA
Holiday Rentals |
